AAS in Medical Assisting
There are many positions integral to the medical field - from receptionists to nurses, surgeons to physicians - many individuals play an important role in providing healthcare and information to those in need of treatment or guidance. One of those important roles is that of a medical assistant.
Medical assistants are vital to the medical experience of most patients. They may help patients navigate their health insurance forms, update medical records, schedule appointments or handle the bookkeeping of a medical office.
An AAS in medical assisting is the appropriate next step for anyone who has experience as an administrative assistant and wants to work in the medical world, or someone who would like to work in a physician's office.
Students pursuing an AAS, or associates degree, in Medical Assisting will most likely take courses on human anatomy, first aid and laboratory techniques, as well as classes on patient relations, record keeping and accounting.
These courses help to prepare medical assistants for one of their main jobs priorities - to make themselves available and accessible to all of their patients, so that any questions or concerns will be addressed and answered.
The job prospects for those with medical assistant training are excellent, according to the BLS. In fact, between 2006 and 2016, the number of medical assistants who are employed should increase by 35 percent.
With numbers like those, it is no wonder why the AAS in Medical Assisting degree program is so popular.
Health Services Careers Facts and Figures
| Registered Nurses |
| Average Hourly |
Average Annual |
| $30.04 |
$62,480 |
|
| Massage Therapists |
| Average Hourly |
Average Annual |
| $19.39 |
$40,330 |
|
| Dental Assistants |
| Average Hourly |
Average Annual |
| $15.52 |
$32,280 |
|
| Medical Transcriptionists |
| Average Hourly |
Average Annual |
| $15.44 |
$32,120 |
|
| Medical Assistants |
| Average Hourly |
Average Annual |
| $13.59 |
$28,270 |
Source: May 2007 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Department of Labor |